Scientists: Public Engagement Activities are Bad for Career

Scientists ‘too busy’ for pupils. ‘The pressure to publish research means many scientists do not have time to go into schools to encourage pupils to take up sciences, a study suggests. A survey of 1,485 scientists found 64% said they needed to spend their time generating funds for their departments. The Royal Society survey also found 52% of respondents did not regard outreach work in schools, public debates or media interviews as important. The society said scientists needed more encouragement to share their knowledge.’